Iowa women's team triumphs over BYU with Stuelke's stellar performance

CANCUN, Mexico, hosted a noteworthy match on November 29, 2024, as No. 22 Iowa secured a solid 68-48 victory against BYU during the Cancun Challenge. Iowa demonstrated their prowess, especially in the second half, where they scored an impressive 43 points. The game started with a modest lead for Iowa, culminating in a 25-19 score by halftime, demonstrating a defensive focus amidst a lower-scoring game. Notably, Iowa's Hannah Stuelke was a standout player, contributing 16 points and eight rebounds, leading her team to success. Iowa's advantage began to widen in the third quarter, as they executed a 10-3 run that paved the way for a 35-22 lead. This phase saw contributions from Addison O'Grady, who scored four points and played a vital role in sustaining the momentum. The Hawkeyes effectively utilized three-point shots to maximize their scoring opportunities. With the confidence built from their lead, they continued to dominate and entered the fourth quarter with a 45-30 advantage. The overall gameplay illustrated Iowa's strategic planning and execution, particularly in the second half of the match. Aaliyah Guyton and O'Grady provided additional scoring through 11 and 12 points respectively, complementing Stuelke's efforts. Iowa's defense also played a critical role in limiting BYU's scoring opportunities, showcasing their capacity to perform under pressure. On the other side, the Cougars, despite the loss, had notable performances from Kemery Congdon and Amari Whiting, who scored 13 and 11 points respectively. Though they struggled to maintain pace with Iowa’s second-half surge, their early performance kept the match competitive. The game certainly highlighted both team's efforts, but Iowa's ability to adapt and push through in the later quarters proved crucial in attaining their victory, contributing significantly to their season's record of 8-0.